Multiple fluid dispenser



1961 N. MILLER 2,997,214

MULTIPLE FLUID DISPENSER Filed Aug. 18, 1959 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 Mq bL-As 144/4452- 05c. 5) 0044440 5 Ill/ALE? $0652 M/LLEE H5 3.

Aug. 22, 1961 N. MILLER MULTIPLE FLUID DISPENSER 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Aug. 18, 1959 IZFEZDZUJL" ,Al/C/IOLAS iii/41.58- IA-C. er 001/440 4-? #4152 r ,2 E0652 M/LLE2 7555 b H117 Aug. 22, 1961 N. MILLER MULTIPLE FLUID DISPENSER 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Aug. 18, 1959 Aug. 22, 1961 N. MILLER 2,997,214

MULTIPLE FLUID DISPENSER Filed Aug. 18, 1959 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 Ave/404.43 44/41. 42. 056. 001/440 5 #4452 Z0651? F. 4/4zE/P 5x545.

Aug. 22, 1961 N. MILLER 2,997,214

MULTIPLE FLUID DISPENSER Filed Aug. 18, 1959 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 er DW4L0 5. 41/4452 055? A? #4155; EXECS.

Aug. 22, 1961 N. MILLER 2,997,214

MULTIPLE FLUID DISPENSER Filed Aug. 18, 1959 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 Adm/01.45 JI/LLEE 056. 5r DOV/PAD 5 M/ALEQ United States Patent MULTIPLE FLUID DISPENSER Nicholas Miller, deceased, late of Chicago, 111., by Donald E. Miller, Mount Prospect, and Roger F. Miller, Chicago, IlL, co-executors, assignors to The Dole Valve Company, Morton Grove, 111., a corporation of Illinois Filed Aug. 18, 1959, Ser. No. 834,434

This invention relates to fluid dispensers for dispensing selected quantities of fluid and more particularly relates to multiple fluid dispensers such as may be used in conjunction with a washing machine for the dispensing of detergent, water softener, starch, bleach, etc.

Still more particularly the present invention is directed to a multiple fluid dispenser which is adapted to dispense various fluids from diflerent fluid reservoirs in different volumes and at different periods of time which may be automatically operated under the cyclic control of an automatic washing machine. It will, of course, be fully understood that the device which forms the subject of the invention disclosed hereafter may find utility in other applications than in association with an automatic washing machine but since the device would probably find its principal use in conjunction with such an apparatus it will hereinafter be described in detail as being associated with an automatic washing machine.

One of the principal features of applicants multiple fluid dispenser resides in the fact that only a single large capacity heat motor or thermal element need be used to operate a plurality of slug-type individual dispensing units.

The large capacity heat motor is arranged to be actuated electrically through the cyclic control of the appliance with which it is associated to eifect simultaneous dispensing of various liquids from a plurality of containers in different volumes. Since it is desirable, however, that some of the dispensing units be actuated at diiferent times, some of the dispensing units are provided with a simple mechanical delayed action mechanism so that difierent dispensing units can be actuated at different periods of time by the same motor.

The heat motor which is used to actuate each of the dispensing units is actuated electrically through a timing device, such as is usually found in an automatic Washing machine.

Manual means are incorporated in the multiple fluid dispenser to enable the operator thereof to preselect the desired amount of fluid to be dispensed from each of the plurality of individual dispensing units.

Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide a multiple fluid dispenser which may be effectively controlled under the cyclic control of an appliance such as an automatic washing machine.

A further and important object of the invention is to provide a fluid dispenser which is operable to dispense diflierent fluids from each of a plurality of fluid containers in diflerent volumes and at difierent periods of time.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a multiple fluid dispenser of the type set forth above wherein only a single large capacity heat motor need be used to effect the automatic operation of each of a plurality of individual slug-type dispensing units.

Yet another object of the present invention resides in the provision of a delayed action mechanism in the multiple fluid dispenser which is operative to dispense fluid from one or more of several fluid containers at a time subsequent to the thermal actuation of the single large capacity heat motor associated with the multiple dispenser.

These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent from time to time as the following specification proceeds and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a plan view of a multiple fluid dispenser including three individual fluid reservoirs in which,- for illustrative purposes, the dispenser cover has been removed;

FIGURE 2 is vertical sectional view through a portion of the multiple fluid dispenser of the present invention which has been taken along lines IIII of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a horizontal sectional view which has been taken through the multiple fluid disepnser illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2 viewed in the direction of arrows III-III in FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 is a vertical sectional view through the control portion of the dispenser which is taken along lines IVIV of FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 5 is a side elevational view of that part of the control mechanism of the dispenser which is illustrated in vertical section in FIGURE 4;

, FIGURE 6 is a fragmental vertical sectional view which is taken along lines VIVI of FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 7 is a fragmental vertical sectional view which is similar in nature to FIGURE 6 but which shows several of the cooperating parts of the dispenser mechanism in a different position;

FIGURE 8 is a vertical sectional view which is also taken along lines VI-VI of FIGURE 3 but which shows the various cooperating elements of the dispenser mechanism in yet another position;

FIGURE 9 is a fragmental vertical sectional view which is taken along lines IX-IX of FIGURE 3 which is similar in nature to FIGURES 6-8 but which shows the control mechanism for dispensing a larger volume of fluid from one of the reservoirs illustrated in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 10 is another fragmental vertical sectional view taken along lines IXIX of FIGURE 3 which is similar in nature to FIGURE 9 but which shows several of the cooperating elements of the fluid dispenser in a different position;

FIGURE 11 is a fragmental vertical sectional view of the dispenser which particularly illustrates the container portion thereof and which is taken along lines XI-XI of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 12 is a fragmental vertical sectional view of the delayed action mechanism of the present invention which is taken along lines XIIXII of FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 13 is a vertical sectional view of the delayed action mechanism illustrated in FIGURE 12 which is also taken along lines XIIXII of FIGURE 3 but which shows several of the cooperating elements thereof in a different position;

FIGURE 14 is a fragmental vertical sectional view similarly taken along lines XIIXII of FIGURE 3 but which shows several of the cooperating elements of the delayed action mechanism in yet another position;

FIGURE 15 is a vertical sectional view which corresponds generally to the view shown in FIGURE 6 but which shows a different embodiment of the present invention wherein the control mechanism is applied to a single or unit dispenser having an individual heat motor; and

FIGURE 16 is a vertical sectional view which is similar to that illustrated in FIGURE 15 but which shows several of the cooperating elements of the mechanism in another position.

Referring initially to FIGURES 1 and 2, a multi-sectioned container 10 is shown as having a pair of partitioning walls 11 extending thereacross which serve to divide the container 10 into three smaller fluid reservoirs 12, 13, and 14. A container cover 15 is seated on the body '1 6 of the container 10 and is removably affixed thereto by means of a plurality of screws which extend therethrough and which are screw-threaded into the body 16. Referring, in conjunction with FIGURES l and 2, to FIGURE 11 it will be noted that a plurality of cup-like members 17 are formed as an integral part of multiple cup member 17a which is secured to the underside of the container and which forms, in conjunction with the container 10, a dispenser body 1712 so that one of the cup members 17 is disposed beneath each of the reservoirs 12, 13 and 14. A depending lip 18 is formed integrally with the container body 16 adjacent each of the reservoirs formed therein, which is grooved as at 19 to receive the peripheral bead 20 of each of a plurality of flexible diaphragms or movable walls 21. The peripheral beads 20 formed on the diaphragms 21 are, in turn, maintained snugly in their proper position in the grooves 19 by the multiple cup member 170 which is pressed thereagainst by means of a plurality of screws which extend therethrough and which are screw-threaded into the container body 16.

It will be noted that the reservoir 12 has an aperture 22 formed in the base thereof which opens from the interior of the reservoir 12 to the interior of a measuring chamber 23 formed intermediate the undersurface of the base of the reservoir 12 and the diaphragm 21. The central aperture 22 has a plurality of radially reduced apertures 24 formed therearound which serve to communicate fluid from the interior of the reservoir 12 to the measuring chamber 23 in a manner which will hereinafter become more fully apparent.

A check valve 25, of a type which is well known in the art, comprises generally a substantially flat diametrically enlarged flexible portion 26 which is adapted to seat against the undersurface of the base of the reservoir 12 and a stem 27 which is formed integrally with the portion 26 and which extends upwardly therefrom and is adapted to be received within the central aperture 22, and an enlarged head or knob 28 which serves to maintain the check valve properly positioned within the central aperture 22 so that the substantially flat flexible portion 26, thereof will extend over and cover each of the radially reduced apertures 24. Such a check valve is, of course, utilized to permit the one-way flow of fluid from the interior of the reservoir 12 to the interior of the measuring chamber 23 while serving to prevent the flow of fluid in the reverse direction.

A boss 29 is formed integrally with the container body 16 and is shouldered as at 30 to provide a seat for an outlet fitting 32 which has a connecting nipple 33 formed thereon. A passageway 34 extends intermediate the measuring chamber 23 and the interior of the boss 29 to communicate fluid therebetween. The bushing 31 is apertured as at 22 and 24 to provide a means for controlling the flow of fluid from the interior of the measuring chamber to the connecting nipple. A check valve 35, like the check valve 25, is seated within the bushing 31 to permit the flow of fluid from the measuring chamber 23 to the connecting nipple 33 while preventing the reverse flow of fluid.

The diaphragm 21 is bonded to a metallic supporting plate 36 and is centrally connected to a piston 37 by means of a screw 38 which extends centrally through the diaphragm 21 and its associated supporting plate 36 and is screw-threaded into the upper end portion of the piston 37. The piston 37 is, in turn, slidably disposed within a guide or boss 39 which is formed with and depends from the cup-like member 17 a.

It is to be noted that the diaphragms 21, inlet check valves 25, and outlet check valves 35, for each of the reservoirs 13 and 14 are formed in substantially the same manner and serve the same function as has above been described with respect to the reservoir 12.

Accordingly, it will be understood that if the reservoir 12 is initially ifilled with a liquid and the diaphragm 21 is initially in its raised position within the measuring chamber 23, the cycle of operation of fluid dispensing will be substantially as follows: Upon downward movement of the diaphragm 21 by the piston 37 a partial vacuum will be created Within the measuring chamber 23 so that fluid will pass through the radially reduced apertures 24 and flex the substantially flat portion 26 of the check valve 25 and subsequently pass into the interior of the measur-ing chamber 23 until the chamber is entirely filled with liquid. Subsequent upward movement of the piston 37 will act to move the diaphragm 21 upwardly within the measuring chamber 23 to force the fluid therein past the outlet check valve to the outlet nipple 33. No fluid will be forced to back into the interior of the reservoir 12 since a tighter seal will be formed intermediate the substantially flat portion 26 of the check valve 25 and the undersurface of the base portion of the reservoir 12 as the pressure within measuring chamber 23 increases due to the upward movement of the diaphragm 21. Thus, as long as there is a suflicient supply of fluid within the reservoir 12 and as long as the diaphragm 21 is always moved through the same compression stroke, equal volu-mes of fluid will be dispensed during each dispensing operation.

Referring now more particularly to FIGURES 3 and 68, it will be noted that the piston 37 is circumferentially grooved as at 40 to receive a retainer 41 for a compression spring 42. The spring 42 is seated at one end thereof on the retainer 41, encircles the depending boss 39 and abuts at the upper end thereof the undersurface of the cup-like member 17 surrounding the boss 39. The spring 42 is always maintained under a slight compression so as to constantly urge the piston 37, and therefore the diaphragm 21, downwardly with respect to the measuring chamber 23. Upward movement of the piston 37 against the opposing biasing force of the spring member 412 is accomplished in the manner which will hereinafter be described.

The multiple cup member 17a has a pair of lugs 43 depending therefrom and formed integrally therewith which form a mounting means for a pair of depending shaft supports or brackets 44 and 45. Another pair of shafts supporting brackets 46 and 47 are similarly mounted on depending lugs formed integrally with the multiple cup member 17a and have apertures 48 formed therein which are coaxially aligned with an aperture 49 formed in the bracket 44. The brackets 44, 46, and 47 serve as supports for an elongated pivot shaft 50 which extends through the coaxially aligned apertures 48 and 4?.

A rockable lever 51 has one longitudinal edge 52 thereof turned upwardly and the opposite longitudinal edge thereofturned downwardly as at 53. Oppositely disposed upwardly bent ends 54 and 55 of the lever 51 have coaxially aligned apertures formed therein which are arranged to receive low friction bearing sleeves 56 and 57 which are slidably mounted on the pivot shaft 50 to permit rockable movement of the lever 51 about the longitudinal axis of the shaft 50.

An upturned lug 59 is formed integrally with the lever 51 and has an aperture formed therein which is coaxially aligned with an aperture in the upturned end 54 of lever 51, which apertures are arranged to receive the opposite end portions of a shaft 60. A double-arm lever 61 is pivotally mounted on the shaft and is normally biased toward the position illustrated in FIGURE 6 by a spring 62 which encircles the shaft 60 and which has one leg disposed in abutment with the double-arm lever 61 and has the other leg disposed in abutment with the rockable lever 51. As shown most clearly in FIGURE 6, the rockable lever 51 is relieved as at 63 to permit the double-arm lever 61 to pivotally move through a greater arc.

It will accordingly be understood that upon rockable movement of the rockable lever 51 from the position illustrated in FIGURE 6 to the position illustrated in FIGURE 7, the lower arm of the double-arm lever 61 will be disposed in juxtaposition to the lower end of the piston 37 so that subsequent counterclockwise pivotal move-- ment of the double-arm lever 61 about the shaft 60 against the opposing biasing force of spring member 62 will act to move the piston 37, and consequently the diaphragm- 21, upwardly in the manner illustrated in FIG- URE 8 to effect the dispensing of liquid from the measuring chamber 23 in the manner which has hereinbefore been described. Conversely, clockwise rotatable movement of the double-arm lever 61 about the shaft 60 will return that lever to the position illustrated in FIGURE 7 and the diaphragm 21, and consequently the piston 37, will be moved downwardly from the position illustrated in FIGURE 8 to the position illustrated in FIGURE 7 by the biasing force of the spring member 42.

A bracket 64 which is similar in nature to the bracket 45 depends from the multiple cup member 17a and has an aperture formed therein which is coaxially aligned with a similar aperture in the bracket 45 and which is adapted, in conjunction with the bracket 45, to rotatably support an adjustable shaft 65 therein. A spirally shaped cam 66 is mounted on the adjustable shaft 65 and is engageable with the upper arm of the double-arm lever 61. The cam 66 is so formed and mounted on the shaft 65 that clockwise rotatable movement thereof will act to pivotally move the double-arm lever 61 in a counterclockwise direction about the shaft 60 against the opposing biasing force of the spring 62 Which urges the upper arm of the double-arm lever 61 into engagement with the spirally shaped cam face of the cam 66. As shown in FIGURE 3, a knob 67 is mounted on the outer end of the shaft 65 to facilitate manual rotation thereof.

By rotating the cam shaft 65 and consequently the cam 66 in a clockwise direction, the effective lift of the piston 37 is increased upon pivotal movement of the rockable lever 51 to the position illustrated in FIGURES 7 and 8. Referring particularly to FIGURE 8, if the cam 66 were rotated in a clockwise direction about 45 from the position illustrated therein the double-arm lever 61 would be moved in a counterclockwise direction a greater degree than is therein illustrated so that the piston 37 and consequently the diaphragm 21 would be raised to a higher position than is therein shown. However, no matter what rotated position the cam 66 is in the piston 37 will be free to move downwardly until the diaphragm 21 has been seated in the position illustrated in FIGURE 6 upon return movement of the rockable lever 51 to the position illustrated in FIGURE 6. By varying the height to which the diaphragm 21 is moved within the measuring chamber 23, the volume of fluid dispensed is proportionately varied. Thus, it will be understood that the cam 66 serves to select the amount of fluid to be dispensed while the rockable lever 51 serves to effect the actual dispensing operation.

FIGURES 4 and in conjunction with FIGURE 3 serve to illustrate the means for effecting rockable motion of the rockable lever 51 to control the dispensing operation. As shown most clearly in FIGURE 4, a bracket 68, which is substantially U-shaped in cross-section, is secured to a pair of lugs 69 which are formed integrally with and which depend from the multiple cup member 17a. A heat motor or thermally responsive element 70, comprising a main casing portion 71 and a cylindrical portion 72, is associated with the bracket 68 and is disposed with its cylindrical portion 72 extending through an aperture 73 in the bracket 68. The cylindrical portion 72 is grooved at a point adjacent the aperture 73 to provide a means for rigidly securing the heat motor 70 within the bracket 68. The rockable lever or transducer 51 is apertured at 74 to permit the extension of the cylindrical portion 72 of the heat motor 70 therethrough. A piston 75 is slidably disposed within the cylindrical portion 72 of the heat motor 70 in a manner which is well known in the art and is extensible from the cylindrical portion thereof upon fusion of a thermally expansible material contained within the main casing portion 71 ofthe heat motor 70. The heat motor which is herein illustrated is of a type which is electrically heated rather than of a type which is sensitive to the ambient temperatures therearound, and heating is accomplished by means of a resistance coil which is disposed within the main casing portion 71 and is connected to a pair of electrical connecting tabs 76 which protrude from the body of the heat motor 70.

The rockable lever 51 is apertured at 77, at the junction of the upstanding portion 5 2 and the substantially horizontally extending portion thereof, and is adapted to receive one end of an overtravel spring 78 which has its opposite end portion seated on the rockable lever 51 adjacent the opposite longitudinal edge thereof.

' It is to be noted that the overtravel spring 78 is anchored to the rockable lever 51 in a prestressed condition so that normally, the overtravel spring and rockable lever operate as one integral member. The piston 75 is engageable with the overtravel spring 78 at a point adjacent the outer free end thereof so that when the piston 75 moves extensibly from the cylindrical portion 72 of the heat motor 70 the overtravel spring 78 and the rockable lever 51 will be pivotally moved in a counterclockwise direction about the shaft 58. The overtravel spring 78 while normally operating as an integral portion of the rockable lever 51 is arranged to yield in case of accidental interference or blockage of pivotal movement of the rockable lever 51 to prevent damage to the various parts of the heat motor 70 or the rockable lever 51. A leg or stop 79 is formed integrally with the multiple cup member 17a and depends therefrom over the rockable lever 51 to act as a stop, limiting counterclockwise rotatable movement thereof.

A heat motor cover 80 extends over the heat motor 70 and the electrical connecting tabs 76 and is affixed to the underside of the bracket 68. An insulator support 81 is, in turn, connected to the heat motor cover 80 and extends upwardly a substantial distance past the base portion of the bracket 68. A heat motor switch 82, comprising generally a stationary contact 83 and a movable contact 84 is mounted on the insulator support in such a manner that a connecting tab '85 which is formed inte'grally with the contact 83 protrudes from the insulator support.

The movable contact 84 is connected to one of the leads 76 extending from the heat motor 70. In view of the foregoing, it will be understood that if the lower conneoting tab 76 is connected to one side of an electrical circuit and if the connecting tab 85 is connected to the opposite side of the electrical circuit the switch 82 will be effective to control the energization of the resistor heater within the heat motor 70 to thereby control the thermal actuation thereof.

An insulator slide 86 is disposed within an aperture 87 in the insulator support 81 with one surface thereof slidably disposed in juxtaposition to the inner surface of the insulator 81 and with a friction spring 88 extending therethrough and slidably engaging the opposite surface of the insulator support 81. Thus, the insulator slide 86 is slidable within the aperture 87 and is operative to control the energization of the resistor heater within the heat motor 70 in the following manner: An outturned nib 89 is formed on the lower end of the insulator slide 86 which is cooperable with the curved upper end portion 80 of the movable contact 84 to effect movement of the contact 84 out of engagement with the stationary contact 83. It will be observed that due to the configuration of these cooperating elements, upward movement of the insulator slide 86 will act to move the outturned nib 89 into engagement with the curved upper end portion 90 of the movable contact 84 to move the contact 84- out of engagement with the contact 83 and to thereby open the energizing circuit to the resistor heater within the heat motor 70.

Movement of the insulator slide 86 is efiected in the following manner: A switch actuator 91 is secured to the rockable lever 51 by riveting or the like and comprises generally a first leg 92 which is secured to the lever 51 and a second leg 93 which is formed integrally with the leg 92 and which extends right angularly therefrom and which is freely disposed and engageable with upper and lower abutment arms 94 and 95, respectively, of the insulator slide 86. Counterclockwise rockable movement of the lever 51 about the shaft 50 causes the leg 93 of the switch actuator 91 to contact the upper arm 94 of the insulator slide 86 and to thereby move the slide 86 upwardly to effect movement of the movable contact 84 out of engagement with the stationary contact 83 to open the energizing circuit to the resistor heater within the heat motor 70. Conversely, clockwise rotatable movement of the lever 51 about the shaft 50 acts to move the insulator slide 86 downwardly to the full line position illustrated in FIGURE 4 to permit the resilient movable contact 84 to return to its normal position in contact with the stationary contact 83 to thereby close the energizing circuit to the resistor heater within the heat motor 70.

In order that the contacts will be opened at the desired time the leg 93 of the switch actuator 91 can be bent until the actuator operates in proper relation to the lever 51.

Assuming that the measuring chamber 83 is initially filled with fluid to be dispensed, the means for effecting dispensing of the fluid within the chamber 23 operates substantially as follows: The machine operator initially rotates the knob 67 disposed on the outer end of the shaft 65 to a desired position in accordance with the amount of fluid the operator wishes to have dispensed during the dispensing operation. The various parts of the dispenser control mechanism are initially in the position illustrated in full lines in FIGURE 4 so that the mechanism is in position to effect a dispensing operation upon energization of the resistor heater within the heat motor 70 under the cyclic control of a timer mechanism within the washing machine. Upon energization of the resistor heater, fusion of the thermally expansible material within the main casing portion 71 of the heat motor 70 is effected and the piston 75 begins to move extensibly from the cylindrical portion 72 thereof. Upon extensible movement of the piston 75 the rockable lever 51 begins to rock in a counterclockwise direction about the shaft 50 until the double-arm lever 61 has moved into contact with the lower end portion of the piston 37. Thereafter, continued upward movement of the piston 75 from the main casing portion 72 of the heat motor 70 acts to further move the rockable lever 51 in a counterclockwise direction and the piston 37 is moved upwardly within the guide 39 against the opposing biasing force of the spring member 42,. Such upward movement of the piston 37 acts to move the diaphragm 21 upwardly within the measuring chamber 23 to force the fluid disposed therein out through the outlet 33 in the manner which has hereinbefore been described.

The limit of upward movement of the piston 37 is, of course, determined by the rotated position of the cam 66. When the rockable lever 51 has nearly rotated intoengagement with the stop 79 the leg 93 of the switch actuator 91 moves into contact with the upper arm 94 of the insulator slide 86 and begins to carry the slide upwardly with it. Such upward movement of the slide 86 moves the nib 89 into contact with the portion 90 of the contact 84 to operably move the resilient movable contact 84 out of engagement with the stationary contact 83 to open the energizing circuit to the resistor heater within the heat motor 70. Upon cooling of the fusible thermally expansible material within the main casing portion 71 of the heat motor 70, the piston 75 is moved retractably with respect to the cylindrical portion 72 thereof by means of a spring or the like disposed in the cylindrical portion 72 thereof in the manner which is well known in the art. As the piston 75 moves retractably with respect to the heat motor 70 the piston 37 is moved downwardly, carrying the diaphragm 21 with it, by the spring member 42 to thereby return the piston 37 and the diaphragm 21 to the normal position illustrated in FIG- URES 4 and 5. Such downward movement of the diaphragm 21 acts to create a partial vacuum within the measuring chamber 23 to thereby draw fluid thereinto from the container 12 to again replenish the supply of fluid within the measuring chamber 23.

It would, of course, be preferable if the timer mechanism associated with the washing machine were arranged to open the energizing circuit to the dispenser intermediate that time when the energizing circuit to the heat motor 70 was opened by the switch 82 and that time When the piston '75 had retractably moved to the position illustrated in FIGURE 13 so that rockable movement of the lever 51 would not be periodic in nature.

It is to be noted that the cam 66 is formed with a cutout 96 therein which is arranged to receive the upper end portion of the double-arm lever 61 to look the lever in a zero or non-dispensing position so that the piston 37 will not be moved upwardly within the guide 39 regardless of the rotated position of the rockable lever 51.

Referring now more particularly to FIGURES 9 and 10, there is shown the means for effecting the dispensing of fluid from the reservoir 13. It is to be noted that the volumetric capacity of the measuring chamber associated with the reservoir 13 is twice that of the measuring chambers associated with the reservoirs 12 and 14 and that the height thereof is considerably greater than the heights of the other two measuring chambers so that the piston and diaphragm associated therewith must be arranged for a greater length of travel. It will thus be noted that the guide 97 which is formed integrally with the multiple cup member 17a is somewhat longer than the guide 39 and has an elongated piston 98 journaled therein for slidable movement, which is connected at its upper end portion to a diaphragm 21 such as the diaphragm hereinbefore described.

The piston 98, like the piston 37, is grooved as at 99 to receive a spring retainer 100. A compression spring 101 is seated at its upper end portion against the lower surface of the cup member 17 defining the measuring chamber associated with the reservoir 13 and is seated at its opposite end portion against the retainer to urge the piston 98 and the diaphragm 21 associated therewith to the position illustrated in FIGURE 9.

The rockable lever 51 has an elongated cutout 102 formed therein adjacent the lower end portion of the piston 98 which terminates at the free longitudinal edge of the lever 51. A pair of lugs 103 and 104 are bent upwardly from the lever 51 and have coaxial apertures formed therein which are adapted to receive a shaft 105 upon which is pivotally mounted a double-arm lever 106 which is similar in nature to the double-arm lever 61 hereinbefore described. It is to be noted that the lever 106 is considerably longer than the lever 61 and that pivotal movement thereof about the shaft 105 is effected by means of a spirally shaped cam 107 which is connected to a shaft 108 for corotatable movement therewith. The shaft 108 is, in turn, journaled for rotatable movement within a pair of apertured brackets 109 and 1-10 which depend from the multiple cup member 17a and has a dial knob 111 mounted on the outer end thereof to facilitate manual rotation of the shaft.

The upper arm of the double-arm lever 106 is apertured as at 112 to accommodate movement therethrough of the high point of the cam 107.

Rockable movement of the lever 51 from the position illustrated in FIGURE 9 to the position illustrated in FIGURE 10, by means of the heat motor 70, will move the lower arm of the double-arm lever 106 into juxtaposition with the lower end of the piston 98 when the cam 107 is in the position illustrated in FIGURE 9. R0-

tation of the cam 107 from the position illustrated in FIGURE 9 to the position illustrated in FIGURE 10 will act to pivotally move the double-arm lever 106 in a clockwise direction about the shaft 105 to thereby operably move the piston 98 and the diaphragm connected therewith upwardly against the opposing biasing force of the spring member 101 to effect dispensing of the fluid within the measuring chamber associated with the reservoir 13.

In operation, of course, the cam 107 will generally be moved to a preselected position by the operator prior to actuation of the heat motor so that counterclockwise rotatable movement of the rockable lever 51 by the heat motor 70 will act to automatically dispense fluid from the measuring chamber associated with the reservoir 13. In connection with this latter mentioned dispensing unit the increased capacity thereof is obtained by doubling the lift of the piston which, in turn, is effected by increasing the length of the double-arm lever and the size of the metering cam, though similar results could be obtained with the lever and cam illustrated in FIGURES 6-8 simply by increasing the width of the diaphragm and its associated measuring chamber to give a diaphragm area twice that of the area of the diaphragm illustrated in FIGURES 68.

As shown most clearly in FIGURES 12, 13, and 14, a delayed action operating mechanism is provided for controlling the dispensing of fluid from the reservoir 14 for use in dispensing fluids such as a water softening fluid into the tub of an automatic washing machine subsequent to the time when dispensing of fluid from the reservoirs 12 and 13 is effected.

A guide 115 is shown as being formed integrally with the multiple cup member 17a and as having a piston 116 slidably mounted therein which, in turn, has the usual diaphragm 117 mounted on the upper end thereof and disposed within the measuring chamber below the reservoir 14. The piston 116 is shown as being grooved as at 118 to receive a cup-like spring retainer 119 which is fitted thereon about the piston 116 with its base portion aflixed to the piston at the groove 118. A compression spring 120 is fitted about the piston 1 16 and encircles the guide 115 and is seated at its upper end portion against the lower surface of the Wall of the multiple cup member 17a defining the measuring chamber 14 and is seated at its opposite end portion against the base of the cup-like retainer 119.

A diametrically larger cup-like spring retainer 121 has a radially enlarged aperture 122 formed in the base thereof through which the piston 116 extends. Two diametrically opposed prongs 123 of the cup-like retainer 121 extend through suitable apertures 124 formed in outturned flanges of the cup-like retainer 119' and have inwardly bent portions 125 formed at the upper ends thereof which are adapted to abut the flanges of the inner cuplike retainer 119 when the respective retainers are in the initial position illustrated in FIGURE 10. A compression spring 126 encircles the inner cup member 119 and the piston 116 and is disposed within the outer cup member 121 with one end in abutment with the outtumed flange 124:: of the inner cup member 119 and with its opposite end portion disposed in abutment with the base of the outer cup member 121. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention an annular flange 127 is formed integrally with and depends from the multiple cup member 17a which serves to guide axial movement of the respective cup-like retainers 119 and 121.

The delayed action discharge of fluid from the measuring chamber 23 associated with the reservoir 14 is realized by initially locking the piston 116 against upward movement while simultaneously storing energy into the spring member 126 which, it should be noted, has suflicient compressive strength to overcome the opposing biasing force of the spring member 120 to move the piston 116 in a direction to compress the spring to effect dispensing of fluid from the measuring chamber.

A pair of yoked levers 130 and 131 are pivotally mounted on sleeves 132 about the shaft 50 and are pivotally moved therearound by the rockable lever 51. An upstanding and overlapping prong 133 is formed integrally with the rockable lever 51 and is engageable with the yoked lever 130 to effect pivotal movement thereof as shown most clearly in FIGURES 3 and 12. A shaft 135 is journaled within a pair of suitable supporting brackets 136 which extend from the multiple cup member 17a and has a pair of pawls 137 and 138 pivotally mounted as well as a pair of springs 139 and 140 which serve to urge the pawls 137 and 138 to move in a clockwise direction about the shaft 135.

As shown most clearly in FIGURE 13, the pawl 137 is urged by the spring 139 into engagement with the yoked lever 131 so that a lip 141 out out of the pawl 137 extends over the end of the yoked lever 131 to prevent counterclockwise rotatable movement thereof about the shaft 50. The lever 130 has a relieved pontion 139a formed therein which is adapted to receive an outturned projection 1 21a formed integrally with and depending from the diametrically enlarged spring retainer 121. Accordingly, it will be understood that when the rockable lever 51 is pivotally moved in a counterclockwise direction about the shaft 50, the prong 133 acting against the yoked lever 130 will act to pivotally move the lever 130 in a counterclockwise direction about the shaft 59 to move the outer cup-like spring retainer 121 upwardly against the opposing biasing force of the spring member 126 to effect compression of that spring member. The inner spring retainer 119, piston 116, and consequently the diaphragm will, however, remain in the position illustrated in FIGURE 12 because rotatable movement of the yoked lever 131 about the shaft 50 will be prevented by engagement of the lip 141 of pawl 137 with the outer end thereof.

The lever 131, unlike the lever 130, is connected to the piston 116 to effect reciprocable movement thereof. The piston is grooved as at 116a to receive a pivot clip 131a which is engageable with a relieved portion 131b of the lever :131.

As the yoked lever 13% pivotally moves about the shaft 50 the outer end thereof will contact a cam face on the pawl 138 to effect slight counterclockwise rotatable movement thereof about the shaft 135 until the lever has moved to a point past an outwardly extending hp 151 formed on the pawl 138. At such time the pawl 138 will be snapped in a clockwise direction about the shaft 135 so that the lip 151 is situated below the outer end portion of the yoked lever 130 to prevent return movement thereof. It will thus become apparent that by rotating the pawl 137 about the shaft 135 in a counterclockwise direction the lip 141 will move out of engagement with the outer free end of the yoked lever 131 so that the lever 131 and consequently the piston 116 will be released for upward movement. At such time the spring member 126 will act against the opposing biasing force of spring member 120 to effect upward movement of the yoked lever 131, piston 116, and consequently the diaphragm 117 to effect dispensing of a measured quantity of fluid from the measuring chamber associated with the reservoir 14. As the yoked lever 131 moves pivotally about the shaft 50 the outer free end thereof will contact the cam face 150 of the pawl 138 to pivotally move the pawl in a counterclockwise direction about the shaft 135 and to thereby move the lip 151 out of engagement with the outer free end of the yoked lever 1311. Upon such release of the yoked lever 131) the spring 120 will act to return the diaphragm 121, piston 116, and the respective cup-like spring retainers to the original position illustrated in FIGURE 12.

Counterclockwise rotatable movement of the pawl 137 about the shaft 135 is effected by means of a relatively 1 1 small internally electrically heated heat motor 155 which is supported adjacent the pawls 137 and 138 by means of a bracket 156 which depends from the multiple cup member 17a in the same manner as the heat motor 70 was so supported. The heat motor 155 has a piston 157 associated therewith which is extensible therefrom, upon fusion of the thermally expansible material contained within the heat motor, which is engageable with an outwardly extending arm 158 of the pawl 137 to effect counterclockwise rotatable movement thereof upon ex- ;ensible movement of the piston 157 from the heat motor The heat motor 155 has a pair of electrical connecting tabs 160 and 161 extending therefrom, the first of which is suitably connected to a tab 162 which is secured to an insulator block 163 which, in turn, is secured to the bracket 156. The second tab 161 is electrically connected to a stationary contact 164 which is secured to the block 163 and which extends inwardly therefrom toward the yoked levers 131) and 131. A movable contact 165 is disposed adjacent the contact 164 and is secured to the insulator block 163 and electrically connected with a tab 166 which extends outwardly from the block 163 below the tab 162.

By connecting the tabs 162 and 166 in an electrical circuit, energization of the heat motor 155 is effected through operation of the switch 167 comprising contacts 164 and 165. An insulator extension 168 is connected to the movable contact 165 and extends inwardly therefrom and is engageable with the outer free end portion of the yoked lever 130 so that when the lever 130 is in the position illustrated in FIGURE 12 (that is when the lever is in its extreme clockwise rotated position about the shaft 50) the outer free end of the lever engages the extension 168 and acts to move the contacts 165 and 164 out of engagement with one another to open the energizing circuit to the heat motor 155. Upon counterclockwise rotatable movement of the yoked lever 130 the resilient movable contact 165 returns to the position illustrated in FIGURES 13 and 14 to close an electrical energizing circuit to the heat motor 155 so that the heat motor 155 is thereby arranged to be controlled by operation of the timer associated with the washing machine. In this manner movement of the pawl 137 may be electrically controlled under the cycling mechanism of the washing machine to thereby eifect hysteretic dispensing of the fluid within the reservoir 14 with respect to extensible movement of the piston 75 associated with the heat motor 71).

Referring now more particularly to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGURES l and 16, an adjustable metering mechanism is shown as being applied to a single or unit dispenser having its individual heat motor. Such a mechanism would, of course, be associated with a fluid container and an associated measuring chamber of the type which has hereinbefore been described. A guide 170 is formed integrally with and de pends from the measuring chamber defining wall and has a piston 171 slidably disposed therein which, in turn, has the usual diaphragm 172 mounted on the upper end thereof and disposed within the measuring chamber. The pist'on 171 is grooved as at 173 to receive a spring retainer 174 which serves to retain one end of a compression spring 175, the other end of which is seated against the lower surface of the measuring chamber defining wall, about the cylindrical guide 170. A bracket 176 depends from the measuring chamber defining wall and has a laterally extending flange 177 secured thereto which is apertured at 178 to slidably receive the cylindrical portion 179 of a heat motor 180. The heat motor 180 is of a similar type as that which has hereinbefore been described and has a piston 181 which is extensible therefrom upon fusion of the thermally expansible material within the main casing portion 182 of the element 180. Thermal expansion of the fusible material within the heat motor 181 is accomplished by means of a resistance coil situated within the main casing portion 182 thereof which is electrically connected with the timer circuit in the washing machine by means of a pair of leads 183.

A lever 185 is pivotally connected by means of a pin 186 to the lower end portion of the piston 171 and is biased by means of a spring 187 in a clockwise direction about the pin 186. A cam 188 is mounted on a manually movable shaft 189 for corotatable movement with respect thereto lwhich shaft is disposed on the oppo site side of a depending projection or stop 190 from the piston 171.

It will thus be observed that the cam 188 acts as a fulcrum about which the lever 185 pivotally moves and that pivotal movement of the lever 185 is effected by extensible movement of the piston 181 from the cylindrical portion 17 9 of the heat motor 181).

The upper end of the cylinder 179 of the heat motor is grooved as at 192 to receive a spring retainer 193 which serves as a seat for a compression spring 194 which, in turn, extends intermediate the retainer 193 and the laterally extend-ing wall or flange 177. It will be understood that the cylindrical portion 179 of the heat motor 181) is slidably mounted within the aperture 178 in the laterally extending flange 177 and that the spring 194 serves as an overtr-avel spring to prevent damage to the heat motor 180 or its associated components.

As with the dispensing mechanisms hereinbefore disclosed, the cam 1 88 is initially set to a preselected position and thereafter the heat motor 180 is energized under the cyclic control of the washing machine to pivotally move the lever thereby acting to extensibly move the piston 171 within the guide 170 as a function of the rotated position of the cam 188. Upon upward movement of the piston 171 the diaphragm 172 moves upwardly within its associated measuring chamber and dispenses fluid therefrom as a function of the rotated position of the cam 188.

From the foregoing, it will be understood that in the first embodiment of this invention a multiple unit fluid dispensing mechanism has been provided in which dispensing of fluid from each of the individual units is effected by means of movable walls or diaphragms which are, in turn, connected to pistons and in which the pistons are controllably moved by a single rockable lever which is, in turn, pivoted by means of a single heat motor. Adjustable means interconnect several of the pistons with the rockable lever so that the quantity of fluid dispensed from the respective fluid dispensing units may be regulated by the operator. One of the pistons is operably connected with the rockable lever through a delayed action mechanism so that fluid is not dispensed from that respective unit until some predetermined time subsequent to pivotal movement of the rockable lever.

Thus, applicant has provided a fluid dispensing unit which may be adapted to dispense varying quantities of fluid at various intervals during a washing machine cycle which requires only a single large capacity heat motor for its operation. Furthermore, means have been provided for permitting the operator thereof to preselect the amount of fluid to be dispensed from each of the dispensing units.

In the second embodiment of the invention there has been shown an adjustable unit or single dispenser which operates on principles similar to those disclosed with reference to each of FIGURES 1l4 but which is a simplified version thereof.

It will be understood that these embodiments of the invention have been used for illustrative purposes only and that various modifications and variations in the present invention may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts thereof.

What is claimed is:

l. A fluid dispenser comprising a dispenser body including a fluid reservoir having a measuring chamber communicable therewith, an outlet from said measuring chamber, a movable wall within said chamber having a piston l3 extensible therefrom and movable in one direction to decrease the volumetric capacity of said chamber to thereby expel the fluid disposed within said chamber through said outlet, selectively actuatable motor means having a movable element associated therewith extensible therefrom upon the actuation of said motor means, a pivoted mechanical transducer movable by said movable element and having a member pivotally mounted thereon and en gageable with said piston, and means for pivotally moving said member to vary the amount of movement of said piston relative to said movable element.

2. A fluid dispenser comprising a dispenser body including a fluid reservoir having a measuring chamber communicable therewith, an outlet from said measuring chamber, a movable well within said chamber having a piston extensible therefrom, a rockable lever mounted on said body, a pivoted lever mounted on said rockable lever and engageable at one end thereof with said piston, a rotatable cam mounted on said body and engageable with the other end of said pivoted lever, means for rotating said cam, and means for intermittently rocking said rockable lever to move said pivoted lever in a direction to eflect axial movement of said piston.

3. A fluid dispenser comprising a dispenser body including a fluid reservoir having a measuring chamber communicable therewith, an outlet from said measuring chamber, a movable wall within said chamber having a piston extensible therefrom, a rockable lever mounted on said body, adjustable means engageable with said piston and connected to said rockable lever, means for moving said adjustable means relative to said rockable lever, and means for intermittently rocking said rockable lever to move said adjustable means in a direction to eflect axial movement of said piston.

4. A fluid dispenser comprising a dispenser body including a fluid reservoir having a measuring chamber communicable therewith, an outlet from said measuring chamber, a movable wall within said chamber having a piston extensible therefrom and movable in one direction to decrease the volumetric capacity of said measuring chamber to expel fluid therein through said outlet, a rockable lever mounted on said body, a double-arm lever pivotally mounted intermediate the ends thereof on said rockable lever having one arm thereof engageable with said piston, a rotatable cam mounted on said body and engageable with the other arm thereof, means for rotating said cam, and means for intermittently rocking said rotatable lever to move said pivoted lever in a direction to eflect axial movement of said piston.

5. A fluid dispenser comprising a dispenser body including a fluid reservoir having a measuring chamber communicable therewith, an outlet from said measuring chamber, a movable wall within said chamber having a piston extensible therefrom and movable in one direction to decrease the volumetric capacity of said chamber to thereby expel fluid within said chamber through said outlet, a rockable lever mounted on said body, a yoked lever pivotally mounted on said body and connected at the free end thereof to said piston, a second yoked lever mounted on said body and engageable with said rockable lever and pivotally movable thereby, resilient means interconnecting said yoked levers, means engageable with said first mentioned yoked lever to prevent pivotal movement thereof regardless of the position of said second mentioned yoked lever, means for selectively disengaging said last mentioned means from said first mentioned yoked lever, and means for intermittently rocking said rockable lever to eifect pivotal movement of said second mentioned yoked lever.

6. A fluid dispenser comprising a dispenser body including a fluid reservoir having a measuring chamber communicable therewith, an outlet from said measuring chamber, a movable wall within said measuring chamber having a piston extensible therefrom and movable in one direction to decrease the volumetric capacity of said chamtively moving said pawl out of engagement with said first mentioned yoked lever, and means for intermittently rocking said rockable lever to effect pivotal movement of said second mentioned yoked lever.

7. A fluid dispenser comprising a dispenser body including a fluid reservoir having a measuring chamber communicable therewith, an outlet from said measuring chamber, a movable wall within said chamber having a piston extensible therefrom and movable in one direction to decrease the volumetric capacity of said chamber to expel the fluid disposed therein through said outlet, a rockable lever mounted on said body, a yoked lever pivotally mounted on said body and connected at the free end thereof to said piston, a second yoked lever mounted on said body and engageable with said rockable lever and pivotally movable thereby, resilient means interconnecting said yoked levers, a pawl engageable with said first mentioned yoked lever to prevent pivotal movement thereof regardless of the position of said second mentioned yoked lever, electrically actuatable means engageable with said pawl to selectively move said pawl out of engagemen: with said first mentioned yoked lever, electrical switch means for controlling the electrical actuation of said electrically actuatable means, means for intermittently rocking said rockable lever to effect pivotal movement of said second mentioned yoked lever, and means interconnecting said second mentioned yoked lever with said switch means for controlling the opening and closure of the electrical circuit through said switch means as a function of the pivoted position of said second mentioned yoked lever.

8. A fluid dispenser comprising a dispenser body including a. fluid reservoir having a measuring chamber communicable therewith, an outlet from said measuring chamber, a movable wall said chamber having a piston extensible therefrom and movable in one direction to decrease the volumetric capacity of said chamber to expel the fluid disposed therein through said outlet, a rockable lever mounted on said body, a pivoted lever mounted on said rockable lever and engageable at one end thereof with said piston, a rotatable cam mounted on said body and engageable with the other end of said pivoted lever, means for rotating said cam, electrically actuatable means for intermittently rocking said rockable member to move said pivoted lever in a direction to eifect axial movement of said piston, electrical switch means for controlling the actuation of said electrically actuatable means, and means interconnecting said rockable lever with said switch means to control electrical transmission therethrough as a function of the rotated position of said rockable lever.

9. A multiple piston actuator comprising an apertured member having a plurality of pistons slidably guided therein, a rockable lever rockably mounted on said member, at least one pivoted lever pivotally mounted on said rockable lever and engageable with at least one of said pistons, means for selectively intermittently rocking said rockable lever through a predetermined arc, means for selectively pivoting said pivoted lever to vary the effective driving connection between said rockable lever and said one of said pistons, first and second yoked levers rockably mounted on said apertured member, means interconnecting said second yoked lever with at least one of said pistons, resilient means interconnecting said yoked levers, means interconnecting said first yoked lever with 1 5 said rockable lever, means for selectively preventing rockable movement of said second yoked lever upon rockable movement of said first yoked lever, and means for selectively releasing said last named means from said second yoked lever.

10. A piston actuator comprising an apentured member having a piston slidably guided therein, a rockable lever rockably mounted on said member, a pivoted lever pivotally mounted on said rockable lever and engageable with said piston, means for selectively intermittently rocking said rockable lever through a predetermined are, and means for selectively pivoting said pivoted lever to vary the eifective driving connection between said rockable lever and said piston.

11. A piston actuator comprising an apertured member having a piston slidably guided therein, a rockable lever rockably mounted on said member, first and second yoked levers rockably mounted on said apertured member, means interconnecting said second yoked lever with said piston, resilient means interconnecting said yoked levers and biasing them toward one another, means interconnecting said first yoked lever with said rockable lever, means for selectively preventing rockable movement of said second yoked lever upon rockable movement of said first yoked lever, and means for selectively releasing said last named means from said second yoked lever.

12. A piston actuator comprising an apertured member having a piston slidably guided therein, a nockable lever rockably mounted on said member, first and second yoked levers rotatably mounted on said apertured member,

means interconnecting said second yoked lever with said piston, resilient means interconnecting said yoked levers, means interconnecting said 'first yoked lever with said rockable lever, means for holding said first yoked lever in one rotated position, means for selectively preventing rotatable movement of said second yoked lever upon rotatable movement of said first yoked lever to said rotated position, and means for selectively releasing said last named means from said second yoked lever.

13. A piston actuator comprising an apertured member having a piston slidably guided therein, a rockable lever rockably mounted on said member, first and second yoked levers rotatably mounted on said apertured member, means interconnecting said second yoked lever with said piston, spring means interconnecting said yoked levers, means for rotating said first yoked lever to a first rotated position as a function of the rockable movement of said rockable lever, means for holding said first yoked lever in such first rotated position, means for selectively preventing rotatable movement of said second yoked lever regardless of the rotated position of said first yoked lever, and means for selectively releasing said last named means from said second yoked lever.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,457,367 Hubers June 5, 1923 2,737,896 Neyer Mar. 13, 1956 2,779,353 Coffey Jan. 29, 1957 2,801,594 Lewis Aug. 6, 1957 

